5 must-see Chicago shows this week: The New Pornographers, The Zombies, Ric Wilson

Listen up! Psychedelic pop tracks, retro rap beats and indie rock jams are all sounds coming out of this week's Chicago concerts. So get yourself a pair of tickets and snag a spot by the stage.

THURSDAY, April 13

The ZombiesThalia Hall1807 S. Allport St. 312-526-3851Surviving members of the English rock band The Zombies will be jamming out Thursday and Friday night at Thalia Hall as part of their "Odessey and Oracle" 50th anniversary finale tour. The 1968 album, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studio on equipment used by The Beatles, boasts the worldwide smash hit, "Time of the Season," along with a number of other psychedelic and baroque pop tracks. 8 p.m. $42-$58. Tickets: thaliahallchicago.com

Catch The Cool Kids at Empty Bottle this Friday night as part of the venue's ongoing 25th anniversary celebration. The Chicago hip-hop duo, consisting of rappers Antoine "Mikey Rocks" Reed and Evan "Chuck Inglish" Ingersoll, have reunited—after calling it quits in 2012—and are preparing to release their new album, "Write In." So expect to hear some new tracks at the show, likely featuring retro raps and back-to-the-basics beats. 9 p.m. $25. Tickets: emptybottle.com

SATURDAY, April 15

Ric Wilson, Elton Aura, Morimoto, C$Schubas Tavern3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508Watch Ric Wilson's first Chicago headlining performance at Schubas on Saturday night. The energetic rapper/singer is a product of Young Chicago Authors—the same poetry program that helped launch Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper—and he's also played at North Coast Music Festival. Joining him in the lineup will be Elton Aura, Morimoto and C$. 7 p.m. $11-$13. Tickets: lh-st.com

MONDAY, April 17

The Flaming LipsRiviera Theatre4746 N. Racine Ave. 773-275-6800Described as one of the "50 bands to see before you die," you can catch The Flaming Lips at the Riviera Theatre on Monday night. The rock band recently collaborated with Miley Cyrus on a full-length album, "Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz," which was released for free online in 2015. The band's melodic and psychedelic rock arrangements are sure to have you swaying. But if that's not enough, their elaborate live shows feature costumes, confetti and a man-sized plastic bubble for crowd surfing. 8 p.m. $45-$145. Tickets: rivieratheatre.com

WEDNESDAY, April 19

The New Pornographers, WaxahatcheeMetro3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-4140The New Pornographers are set to bring their clever and addictive power pop sound to the Metro stage Wednesday night. The eight-piece Canadian group released their new album, "Whiteout Conditions," on April 7, so you'll likely get to jam to a few new tracks at the show. Joining The New Pornographers will be indie band Waxahatchee. 8 p.m. $38. Tickets: metrochicago.com